I received my new 598ci last week and I have been assembling the miscellaneous items needed to install it (PTC-U portable case, battery, charger; Tranducer Saver mount, etc).
The more I searched around I realized the upgraded transducer XHS-9-HDSI-180-T is probably the way to go, versus the XNT-SI-180-T that comes with this unit. (I came to this understanding a little later than I would have liked.) As I understand, the image quality will be harder to discern on a smaller screen - though some claim it's night and day different - and there is no 800 KHz in my unit. But unless I'm missing something here, the cost to upgrade this is less than 10% of the total price of this unit (even before the accessories mentioned above), which makes it a no-brainer for me. I have to believe it's at least 10% better, or why make two?
Based on the description of the exchange program, transducers cannot be "previously installed or assembled".
I've seen this described elsewhere as "unopened", although that does not appear in the official language on the website.
Here's my deal - the transducer has been opened. It has been bolted to the transom saver mount (using transducer saver hardware, not the original hardware) - to check for fit on my TM. I am using this on a transom/clamp-on mount trolling motor (using as a portable), so I have no use for the transom hardware that came with the unit, and all that hardware is unused - though it is opened. I don't even remember why I opened it. I think I was looking for a nylon nut before I noticed the one that came with the Transducer Saver. There is no "installation" per se on my type of use, as compared to a boat installation. I will simply clamp the two straps from Transducer Saver to the motor, zip tie a couple of times on the shaft, and hope it all works.
Is this going to pass muster to qualify for an exchange? It it unused and obviously in perfect condition; however, if there is an expectation that none of the packaging has been disturbed then we may have an issue. I just want to save myself the aggravation/false hope if it won't work...
Of course I will have to exchange the Transducer Saver, so I will have some shipping cost there also. Their CS is terrific though and I don't expect any issues on that part.
Opinions/experiences anyone?